National University
San Diego, California · Private Nonprofit
ROI Score: 64/100 · Fair Value
National University scores 64 (Fair Value) at a large private nonprofit in San Diego, CA with 10,794 students and an open-enrollment model (admissions data is not reported). The school primarily serves working adults seeking professional credentials. Nursing is the highest-earning program (243 graduates, $99,714 year-one, $114,413 four-year, ROI grade B) and likely the clearest financial value. Business Administration (214 graduates, $61,299 year-one) and Criminal Justice (103 graduates, $64,143 year-one) follow. The completion rate of 42.9% is among the lower numbers in the dataset -- fewer than half of enrolled students finish. Net price of $22,878 is moderate for a California private school. With only two of four income brackets available (the 75,001-110,000 and 110,001-plus brackets show no data), the income-to-cost picture is incomplete. Teacher Education earns $40,080 year-one with an 0.848 debt-to-earnings ratio (ROI grade D) -- the school's weakest tracked outcome.
National University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $13,284/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $13,284/yr |
| Average net price | $22,878/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $91,512 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $67,548 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $51,900 |
| Median debt at graduation | $25,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $265 |
| Estimated payback period | 7.1 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 42.9% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 10,794 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at National University is $13,284/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $22,878/year, or roughly $91,512 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $21,554/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay N/A/year.
The median graduate leaves with $25,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $265 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $67,548 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.48 - well within manageable territory.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,554 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $26,583 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,176 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | N/A |
| $110,001+ | N/A |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families earning under $30,000 pay $21,554 per year. As a for-adult-learner private school, National's aid for low-income students is limited relative to traditional private universities. At $21,554, nursing graduates produce positive ROI; other programs are more constrained.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The 30,001-48,000 bracket pays $26,583 and the 48,001-75,000 bracket pays $25,176 -- relatively flat with limited income-based variation. Data for the 75,001-110,000 and 110,001+ brackets are not available in the Scorecard.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Income bracket data above $75,000 is unavailable in the Scorecard. For adult learners paying without aid, National's pricing is a middle tier among California private institutions -- above the public system but below more selective privates.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at National University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $114,413 | B |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $78,266 | B |
| Psychology | $66,849 | D |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $81,299 | B |
| Teacher Education | $53,761 | D |
| Homeland Security | $80,134 | B |
| Public Health | $70,340 | D |
| Accounting | $79,696 | C |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $59,956 | C |
| Sociology | $64,860 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Registered Nursing
Registered Nursing (243 graduates) earns $99,714 year-one and $114,413 four-year, debt-to-earnings 0.375 (ROI grade B). California's nursing shortage and the state's wage laws push RN earnings above national averages -- San Diego-area hospital systems are among the highest-paying in the country. The four-year figure ($114,413) reflects advancement to experienced RN, charge nurse, or early nurse practitioner track. At $22,878 net price, the ROI grade B reflects a manageable but not low debt-to-earnings ratio (0.375) -- graduates are borrowing more than at public alternatives but earning in a well-compensated market.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration (214 graduates) earns $61,299 year-one and $78,266 four-year, debt-to-earnings 0.437 (ROI grade B). These are working adult graduates who often enter or advance in management roles in San Diego's defense, biotech, and financial services sectors. The year-one figure reflects that many BA graduates at National are mid-career professionals upgrading credentials -- year-one earnings are higher than at traditional undergraduate programs because the students already work. The four-year figure shows continued advancement.
Criminal Justice and Corrections
Criminal Justice (103 graduates) earns $64,143 year-one and $81,299 four-year, debt-to-earnings 0.437 (ROI grade B). National University has a significant criminal justice program that serves law enforcement, corrections, and homeland security professionals seeking degree credentials for advancement. The year-one figure ($64,143) reflects that many enrolled students are already employed in the field -- the degree produces a credential premium rather than a career entry. San Diego's proximity to federal agencies and military installations creates demand for criminal justice credentials.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 49.6% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 57.8% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 59.9% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 64.9% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Enrollment | 10,794 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 28.8% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $9,332 |
National University does not report admissions selectivity data to the Scorecard. The school operates on an open-enrollment model for adult learners. Admission is driven by credential verification and meeting program prerequisites rather than competitive selectivity.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Without full peer data for National's Scorecard comparison group (Art Center, Azusa Pacific, Bellevue University, Tulane, St. John's University), direct comparison is limited. Against the 4-year national median (6-year earnings ~$55,000, completion ~60%), National's $51,900 earnings are near median while completion (42.9%) is significantly below. National's nursing earnings ($99,714 year-one) are among the highest in any comparable open-enrollment nursing program nationally, driven by California's RN wage premium.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| National University (this school) | 64 | $22,878 | $67,548 |
| Azusa Pacific University | 71 | $22,212 | $66,677 |
| St. John's University-New York | 68 | $29,999 | $69,571 |
| Bellevue University | 65 | $17,550 | $61,289 |
| Tulane University of Louisiana | 64 | $39,949 | $63,268 |
| Art Center College of Design | 56 | $48,661 | $71,958 |
Who Thrives Here
National University does not report selectivity data -- admissions rate is not available. SAT and ACT data are not reported. The school's adult-learner model means the typical student is a working professional completing credentials at flexible pace. With a 28.8% Pell rate, the school serves a middle-income population seeking professional advancement. Nursing and criminal justice students see the strongest earnings-to-cost ratios. Teacher Education students face an unfavorable ROI at this school's price point.
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
National University offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $22,878 per year leads to $91,512 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $67,548 a decade out. The payback period of 7.1 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
Key strengths include strong earnings premium over high school graduates, manageable debt relative to earnings. However, the data also shows a 42.9% graduation rate and concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $25,000 against $67,548 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.